Government Vehicles Missing…Again

If you’re the driver of a late model government ride, especially a Toyota Hilux, you may want to be careful where you park. That’s because there are some brazen thieves at work in the nation’s capital Belmopan. At least three government vehicles have been stolen in recent weeks. First it was a Toyota Hilux from the Forestry Department. That vehicle disappeared right off their compound. Then it was a Mitsubishi Nativa driven by the Mayor of Belmopan. That vehicle was stolen from where it was parked just feet from the front door of City Hall. And now it’s another Toyota Hilux owned by the Department of the Environment. The driver parked it right in front of the office located in the always busy Belmopan Market. Half an hour later, it was gone. Today, Acting Officer Commanding the Belmopan Police Department, Inspector Dennis Myles, told us there are no leads at this point.

Inspector Dennis Myles, Acting O.C., Belmopan

“What we do know is that Mister Edgar Eck reported to us sometime after nine yesterday morning that he parked the brown 2008 Toyota Hilux in front of the Environment Office and from there it was stolen.”

Reporter

“Sir, can you tell us what police has done so far to investigate the theft?”

Insp. Dennis Myles

Dennis Myles

“Well, when we received the report that the vehicle was stolen, we quickly informed Benque and San Ignacio police. We have even set up our check points along the western highway to ensure that our people are canvassing for the vehicle, but it was fruitless. We didn’t have any trail in regards to that vehicle.”

Reporter

“Have the employees or anyone nearby been able to give police any kind of area to police?”

Insp. Dennis Myles

“Well the person from the Environment Department, we recorded the statement from those persons and they have no definite lead in regards to the investigation.”

Reporter

“Are you concerned that there is an increase of thieves targeting? I mean they are getting brazen…”

Insp. Dennis Myles

“It’s not that they are getting…I wouldn’t class it as they are getting brazen, but to me they are targeting a specific type of vehicle; a vehicle that is mostly assigned to the Government of Belize. And as you well know, the vehicle that went missing from the Forestry Department was also a Toyota Hilux. That gives the police the impression that these vehicles are easily taken over across to Melchor.”

Reporter

“Sir, so any tips for holders of such vehicles?”

Insp. Dennis Myles

“The only tips the police can offer is that what they do know is that from time to time these vehicles were taken into these mechanic shops or these car wash places where they would leave their keys. You can never tell…people can easily sneak and duplicate these keys.”

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